One of Gloucestershire’s most popular visitor attractions, Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, has unveiled a new literature festival for young book lovers, set to take place this August bank holiday weekend.
Dedicated to stories about nature, animals and the great outdoors, Wild Wonder at Westonbirt is an all-new children’s book festival, bringing three days of events, literary guests and workshops to the arboretum from Sunday 27 to Monday 29 August 2022.
With some of the UK’s most famous children’s authors making star-studded appearances, little bookworms will get to meet their favourite storytellers and illustrators, as well as participate in a programme of activities themed around books that focus on nature.
Big names to look out for include War Horse author and national treasure, Michael Morpurgo; Waterstones Children’s Laureate and How to Train Your Dragon creator, Cressida Cowell; and teenage nature writer and environmental campaigner, Dara McAnulty.
There will also be appearances from CBeebies wildlife presenter Jess French, who hosts Minibeast Adventure with Jess, and novelists M. G. Leonard, Emma Carroll and Michelle Paver, joining for masterclasses, workshops and talks.
Horrible Histories illustrator, Martin Brown, is among the line-up of bestselling illustrators hosting events at Wild Wonder; while attendees can also expect activity trails, book signings and opportunities to get crafty under the trees.
To top it off, The Gruffalo will be making a real-life appearance for storytime, with character costume appearances from Little Nutbrown Hare from the heartwarming tale, Guess How Much I Love You, too.
Prices vary for each event, which are held at various locations across Westonbirt Arboretum, but please note that a standard admission cost of £11 applies for adults.
Ticket prices for every event are the same for adults and children, while children up to the age of two can attend for free – providing they sit on their parent or guardian’s lap for the duration of the event.
For more information, see Wild Wonder at Westonbirt.
